Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is very clever in targeting its intended audience. It should come as no surprise that, like the majority of licensed games, the fanbase is Namco Bandai’s target. In this sense, the developer has succeeded. For those not familiar with the programme, its sharp visuals and odd humour are the foundations of what makes the show so appealing to a worldwide audience. To ensure this is carried over into the videogame space, the visuals and art style are excellent. It is almost as if Namco has reached into a television set, ripped the environment straight from the Naruto cartoon and laid it back down to rest on a Blu-ray disc. Furthermore, the animations don’t let the visual effect down in the slightest and the two combined allow Ultimate Ninja Storm to blur the line between game graphics and high quality anime. If you fancy boasting just what your HDTV and PS3 can do (after showcasing MGS4, naturally) you could do far worse.

Unfortunately, this is where all praise ends. While the odd besotted youth will feel satisfied with their purchase as their eyes are wowed by Naruto’s on-screen antics, it’s fair to say a larger portion of gamers will be baffled by what they’re experiencing. In an attempt to be a ‘Jack of all trades’, Naruto manages to end up being a confused, muddled mess that riddles you with constant tedious tasks and a very inconsistent fighting mechanic. During the first hour or so this is excusable and can even be enjoyable – wandering around Konoha Village is initially entertaining – but it soon becomes apparent that every mission and encounter is essentially identical to the last; the only difference being a change of scenery and an elevated level of supposed purpose.

Considering the open-world slant, it’s a mystery why the game’s world is so quiet and subdued. Hunting down one of the many hidden secrets is so boring and taxing that you will probably just give up. Even side quests serve as nothing more than opportunities to gain necessary XP before proceeding with the main expedition. Where are the random episodes or novel minigames? A few years ago this may have been acceptable, but there’s been a significant leap forward recently in how to develop an open world, Grand Theft Auto’s Liberty City providing probably the best example. Anyone who’s visited Rockstar’s rich, urban playground will feel slightly lonely in Ultimate Ninja Storm’s empty surroundings.

Of course, the repetitive assignments are only a part of what Naruto offers, with the real emphasis coming in the form of combat. Once again, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking you’re witnessing something truly special. Even in your very first fight, you’ll be pulling off some of the most surreal moves you’re ever likely to see. We’d struggle to name another game where a man can seemingly clone himself hundreds of times before executing a huge pile-up on his foe. As expected, these combo attacks look particularly impressive, but, in the same vein as the missions, Ultimate Ninja Storm falls flat after the briefest of periods. The majority of strikes can be strung together by randomly mashing buttons, removing any sort of skill from the equation. The only real tests come during the infrequent boss clashes that are able to maintain the visual prowess and ask that you actually demonstrate some essence of talent (see ‘Bigger they are’ boxout). Naruto also doesn’t help itself with its decision to incorporate a cinematic camera angle. The choice is an obvious one in relation to Namco’s intended design – the distinctive viewpoint seems to add a touch more intensity – but it has the potential to destroy a match when the game is far more concerned with emphasising what’s going on rather than allowing the two combatants to put their wits against one another. This isn’t so much of a problem when tackling the story mode as events are broken up thanks to the aforementioned jobs, but enter ‘Free Battle Mode’, especially with a friend, and you’ll probably be nursing a headache before long. It’s commendable that Naruto has tried a different approach, but there’s a reason the bulk of games tackle it in a different manner. In short, the more conventional system works.

Ultimately enough of a fan service has been achieved, permitting admirers to discover an interactive Naruto world, but we’d imagine even they would be hard pushed to keep their enthusiasm up. Yes, it ties into the on-screen happenings of the series, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you’re in direct control. Aside from the initial wow factor provided by the graphics, Ultimate Ninja Storm is simply too shallow to hold your attention for a significant period. As such, much like a beautiful individual with little between the ears, there’s only so long you can look at it before boredom kicks in.